Shot a Galil ACE in 556 at our local rifle match Saturday and have a few observations:

1) This rifle fits me. It doesn't feel like a 8lb (loaded) rifle when shouldered and shooting. 2) Ergonomics are great. All of the controls are easily reachable, if you're right handed like me. 3) Had 1 stoppage (FTEject) during the match out of about 120 rounds fired. If this keeps up I will be sending it back for warranty repair.

All in all, I'm pretty happy with it. During zeroing before the match I was getting groups in the 2MOA range with 55gr ammo. I tried some SS109 and 75gr OTM too but it was too windy for me to make any general statements about accuracy.

That said, here are the pics. The rifle has about 500 rounds on it at this point.

Bolt hold open detail

Detail of FCG and BHO

Bolt face

Chamber and gas tube detail

Detail of handguard hanger

Detail of left side safety connection and stock knuckle attachment to receiver

Very nice. I want one so badly, but they are a bit too rich for my blood at this point by about 400 bucks.

$1500 ain't chump change, to be sure. But: used IMI Galils sell for $3000+, for 30 year old, used rifles. These are new, factory supported, warrantied, ergonomically improved (assuming you're right handed), and weigh less than the originals.

Plus they use common STANAG mags.

I suspect that IMI won't have much trouble moving inventory with these.

Very nice. I want one so badly, but they are a bit too rich for my blood at this point by about 400 bucks.

$1500 ain't chump change, to be sure. But: used IMI Galils sell for $3000+, for 30 year old, used rifles. These are new, factory supported, warrantied, ergonomically improved (assuming you're right handed), and weigh less than the originals.

Plus they use common STANAG mags.

I suspect that IMI won't have much trouble moving inventory with these.

BSW

They would have sold like MAD before the election...now there is a slump on (not as steep as expected, but still there. Don't believe me, look at all the sales and rebates going on). This is on my list of "when I win some money" guns along with an AUG and Tavor/XM95.

These, along with the Bulgarian milled receiver Arsenal models, are the cream of the crop of AK platform rifles. I love the Galil Ace .308 Pistol with the stabilizing brace, (AKA legal shoulder stock). But $2K is a lot of coin.

These, along with the Bulgarian milled receiver Arsenal models, are the cream of the crop of AK platform rifles. I love the Galil Ace .308 Pistol with the stabilizing brace, (AKA legal shoulder stock). But $2K is a lot of coin.

I wouldn't go quite that far. Looking at the receiver, it shows top notch machining, with zero tool marks anywhere. That can only be accomplished with very sharp, coated tools. Coupled with fine finishing cuts at reduced feed rates. That all translates into more time. And time is money in manufacturing. Especially time on multi million dollar, computerized machining centers. Also, there isn't a burr present anywhere. Which means more time spent hand finishing and deburring. Most mating surfaces of moving parts that are shown in the photos, also show a very high degree of polish.

Everything on that rifle shows meticulous attention to precise detail. It is very difficult to find that on military grade battle rifles today. While both of my milled receiver Arsenal AK platform rifles show very good workmanship, they are not on the level shown by these new Galil models. The high price reflects this. Yes, a lot of people will pass because of the price. But that in itself does not spell rip off. The people who shell out this kind of coin for a battle rifle, are going to be the one's who can understand and appreciate what has gone into it's manufacturing.

Seems if you slap "Made in Israel" on anything you can charge way too much money. I honestly don't know why. As a historical piece the Galil is interesting. As a fighting rifle it's a heavy, glorified AK47 and the ACE modifications kill the classic Galil look, which is the only thing of interest to me.